By Chhagan Lonhare, Deputy Director, Raipur, August 28, 2024: In just eight months, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has set Chhattisgarh on a path of robust development, emphasizing transparency and good governance. With a focus on even the most remote tribal areas, the state has seen rapid implementation of crucial initiatives, bringing benefits to countless residents.
One of the most significant strides is the launch of the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme, modeled after the Prime Minister’s Janman Yojana. This initiative targets Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and extends the reach of 53 beneficiary-oriented schemes from 17 departments to villages within a five-kilometer radius of newly established camps in the Bastar division.
Under the leadership of CM Sai, Chhattisgarh has witnessed the fulfillment of several promises, particularly in agriculture. The state government has provided Rs 10,000 annually to landless farmers under the Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Mazdoor Kalyan Yojana and has distributed free food grains to 68 lakh families for five years. Additionally, the government procured paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, resulting in a record purchase of 145 lakh metric tons, marking a revitalization of agriculture and bringing joy to farmers across the state.
In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, the state government under CM Sai has focused on public welfare and economic empowerment. The Mahtari Vandan Yojana, benefiting nearly 70 lakh women, and the transfer of Rs 3,716 crores as paddy bonus arrears to 13 lakh farmers, are testament to the government’s commitment to the people.
Addressing issues of youth employment and corruption, CM Sai has handed over the investigation of irregularities in the 2021 State Civil Services Examination to the CBI, fulfilling the Prime Minister’s guarantee to hold those accountable who jeopardize the future of the youth. Further, the state has launched the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, enabling citizens to visit Ayodhya at the government’s expense, strengthening the cultural bond as Chhattisgarh is considered the maternal home of Lord Ram.
Housing and clean water access have been prioritized, with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aiming to provide permanent housing to 18 lakh families and the Jal Jeevan Mission ensuring clean drinking water for all. A budget of Rs 4,500 crore has been allocated for this, with tap connections already provided to over 39 lakh households. Healthcare initiatives, such as the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, alongside the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Health Scheme, are also being implemented, covering 77 lakh families with up to Rs 5 lakh in free healthcare services.
In education and youth empowerment, the government has increased the number of seats for UPSC aspirants at the New Delhi youth hostel and is expanding medical education by establishing the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) at the divisional level. A new industrial policy set to launch on 1st November 2024 aims to generate employment and accelerate economic growth, with Naya Raipur being developed as an IT and innovation hub. The state has also announced interest-free loans with a 50 percent subsidy under the Chhattisgarh Udyam Kranti Yojana to encourage young entrepreneurs.
Under CM Sai’s leadership, Chhattisgarh is not only experiencing rapid development but also gaining widespread popularity, as the government continues to work tirelessly for the welfare and prosperity of its people.
